CATS Global Council Think Paper – Seamless Airspace: Are Today’s Flight Rules Ready for the Future of Aviation
Are Today’s Flight Rules Ready for Tomorrow’s Aviation?
This new CATS Global Council Think Paper is a timely and essential read for all those shaping the future of aviation.
As the skies evolve with the growing presence of drones, eVTOLs, high-altitude operations, and advanced automation, this paper poses a critical question: can traditional flight rules like VFR and IFR continue to support this increasingly diverse and digital ecosystem? Or do we need complementary approaches to separation assurance, responsibility allocation, and airspace structure?
Research on these issues is already under way in many corners of the aviation community. The purpose of this Think Paper is to bring greater clarity and alignment — helping to focus global efforts, identify key research needs, and support the development of a harmonised approach to future airspace integration.
This is not only about addressing gaps, but also about seizing the opportunity to improve the air traffic system at large — making it more scalable, inclusive, and performance-driven.
Published July 2025
